I am pretty much in agreement with Mike Holt's position that AFCI circuit breakers aren't capable of the functions and protection they are marketed under therefore creating a false sense of security and potentially creating a hazzard. There are too many ECs promoting their use in older homes wired without equipment grounds. They aren't listed for that application. What benefit are they in that application?
If AFCIs could really detect arcing faults-series and parrallel- as well as glowing loose connections I would be their biggest proponent.
